toyota diesel query.

Understood, lots of heavy equipment pieces have similar systems. They run at a constant RPM because they should be working full bore, using all the power the engine is creating for the generator. A vehicle does not do this. Most vehicles utilize a small fraction of the potential power the engine creates. So yes, the concept would work for a passenger vehicle but I don't think it would be efficient.

I wouldn't think you'd want a diesel starting and stopping constantly. They run better when they're warmed up and kept warm.

All hypothetical at this point, just my thoughts when I really thought about it.

 

They aren't hypothetical , they already exist

and

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/diesel-hybrid.htm

and mandatory

http://youtu.be/CKIc1BcWDlM

 

Again though, that's a vehicle that's utilizing every ounce of power it can produce. I'm not doubting that the concept would work for a passenger vehicle, just not as economical for a vehicle that only needs a fraction of what the engine produces to operate. Diesel electric hybrids seem to work very, very well for heavy haulers or heavy equipment, I'm just not convinced they'd be a better option for a light truck vs. a standard diesel engine.

 

I know the Audi E-Tron LMP is an extreme example , I just like the video

 

It is a hell of a promotion for the concept!

 

If they used an alternator that makes a great deal of power at low rpm, you could leave the diesel idling at 500 rpm at all times. The batteries would have reserve power for when you romp on it. But I guess that pretty much describes a hybrid vehicle.

 

http://www.formula1-dictionary.net/kers_audi_e_tron.html

just an FYI , Formula 1 cars are now 800hp gas / electric hybrids

 

Don't forget La Ferrari. Although gas.

 

and the McLaren P1

 

So, what you're saying is that this diesel / electric hybrid thing isn't a mystical unicorn like creature, but might actually be possible?

 

It's possible and already in use in a lot of applications. He wants it in his Tacoma though and that particular application is a mythical creature that will only be written about in the pages of TW by our northern contributor known as OZ-T

 

Don't kill the dream brother.

 

They already make them , including Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors

For example , Hino's diesel / electric drive for their cube trucks

http://youtu.be/ufAPKycXV7g

 

Gotcha, I caught that earlier when you posted it to Pugga.

 

Did I mention

http://youtu.be/fYLmEadKmCw

 

Meanwhile Toyota simply puts out a small gas engine like 2.0L turbo four-cyl that meets all their fuel economy and emissions targets, while being lightweight and having good POWER output.

 

Even a 1.6L turbo V6 gas / electric hybrid can produce 800 hp

 

After watching the Hino video, why would that application not be conducive for daily drivers?
A city bus starts and stops more than a POV, yet this design is good for them. I think it could work. it probably is not going to be very cheap but i think it will be effective. Im with you OZ-T, i look forward to the day your dream becomes reality.

 

^That is technically true, but won't be cheap enough for a mainstream pickup. You can either use a battery pack and motors that support high current draw (like the Tesla P85D) or run crazy boost levels (like 1970s F1 cars - 1600hp out of 1.6L engines). However, 2.0L turbo I-4 making 280 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque is quite doable at mass-market prices.